Thanks ladies. Looks like it will be doable especially since the BJU texts are semester courses. I can probably stretch them out over a year while using CTG, or condense CTG and get it done in 1/2 a year and then do BJU. I'll likely order both and give it a whirl!

Yes, I wanted to include some American History in the mix since we are not doing any American History this year (with ECC) and there's no American History with CTG. I was looking at using BJU Heritage Studies, grade 4 along with CTG, but I'm not sure if that's going to be doable or not. Six months on each might work, but I'd have to double up on the CTG to get it done in six months. I heard that BJU is a semester long course (is this true?) so I may be able to do that one in six months. The girls are 7 and 8.5 but I have them in the same grade level for all but math, reading and penmanship because my younger is an amazing reader and has terrific auditory skills along with good retention. She can easily work on the same level as her sister. So, grade wise, I'd say third this year, fourth next year.

I am looking at using MFW's CTG next year, but I also want to use BJU for science and history. We like text books in this house, but we enjoy the lit approach as well. I never seem to be satisfied using one curriculum. If I use CTG only it will bug me that they are not getting any US history for two entire years (we are using ECC this year). Am I crazy? Does anyone here use MFW's cycles but supplement with texts as well?

We put in about 5.5 hours per day but this includes piano practice and gym.

We use Saxon and Singapore.

I agree with the Rod and Staff's 2nd grade Phonics suggestion. That program is as comprehensive as it gets!

We are using Rosetta Stone and enjoying it very much. I'm not sure why people don't like it and I didn't read that thread. The only real challenge we've had with Rosetta Stone is that the "writing" portion of each lesson is done on the computer (as is the rest of the program) via the keyboard and my girls do not have keyboard skills yet, so I usually have the dictate their answers while I type. It will be easier when they can type. Also, if you don't set up the microphone correctly in the beginning of each lesson (speak clearly with normal speed and no background noise) you will have a heck of a time with the speaking portion of the lessons. We've learned through trial and error to avoid that problem! Today we got to practice some of what we've learned when we encountered a Hispanic family at church. Both of my girls were able to ask and answer a few basic questions in Spanish. It was lots of fun for them to practice their skills and they were very proud of themselves!

The Eggleston book looks great! Thanks for that link and suggestion!

I don't mind the "hijack" at all! I haven't made a decision yet, so I'll be checking back too.

My dd's (third grade) have completed Saxon K-3. I definitely think the lower levels are too easy for the grade level they are meant for (we just doubled up on the lessons and breezed through), but we all loved the variety of topics each day and both dd's learned their math facts inside and out! In addition, they can tell time, read charts, understand patterns, skip count, measure with a ruler, and work with simple fractions. I am very pleased with what they have learned. We will start 5/4 next week! For my younger child, we'll start with Saxon 1 or 2 and just skip K. We've tried other maths, Rod and Staff, Singapore, Horizons. Saxon is preferred by both girls.

Thanks everyone. I'm feeling better about my decision now. I think I'll finish ECC this year but probably buy BJU Heritage Studies for next year (unless I find something better between now and then). I have lots of Sonlight books to supplement and I have some lit guides to use as resources for more books, so there will be plenty of books. You're right 1Togo, the text book versus lit approach does cause guilt and concern for some homeschooling mothers. I am one of them! I'm hoping to let that go, but in order for that to happen I am going to have to find a text I just love, and I don't know if that's going to happen. This is part of my struggle. When I look at the texts for the lower grades they tend to be more social studies than history and they don't seem to follow a strict chronological structure. I like the chronological approach that that Lit programs use, but I can't stand the actual implementation of the program. Also, I'm not thrilled about the narrative style texts. Quite simply, what I'm looking for is a text that uses a chronological approach but without the confines of a lit program.

Oh, yeah. I forgot about Times Tales. The stories are so confusing! I wish I wouldn't have wasted my money on that.

Thanks Linda. I'm considering BJU for next year. We're doing MFW/ECC this year and it's okay, but we're more text book lovers around here. And I too have plenty of good literature around the house to supplement. Thanks for the post. It's nice to know I'm not the only one!

I'm not a big fan of the literature approach, or multi-level teaching (like MFW). I have found what I like for every subject except History. I am drawn to something simple like textbooks for this subject, but I feel like I'm letting my kids down by doing this. Does anyone here use textbooks for History? If so, which ones do you prefer? (My dd's are 9 - twins/ third grade). I'd love a text that suggests living books to go along with each chapter so I can throw some of those in. Also, some projects would be nice. Thanks for your suggestions.

Teach your child to read in 100 Easy lessons. What a waste of money! A&O lifepacs.